However, the official world record deciders, the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), have been told about a later flight which lasted more than 33 hours which might now be listed in the record books.

Rechargeable batteries

The solar plane

The plane, which is called The Zephyr High Altitude Long Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, was built by a UK company called QinetiQ.

In daytime it flies by solar power and by night it is driven by special batteries which are recharged during the day by the sun.

The plane set the new record during trials at a US military range in New Mexico.